As a small subgroup of the Fulani ethnic group, the Wodaabe traditionally known as the Bororo are scattered across the sub-Saharan Sahelian steppe in Niger, West Africa. Insulated from modern society, they have maintained their own ancient way of life for thousands of years. In spite of extremely severe living conditions, they still have optimistic spirit thanks to traditional and cultural activities. Visiting Niger and the Bororo, tourists can not forget their male beauty contest for the title of “Mr. Sahara”.

The unique tribal pageant is held annually to mark the end of the rainy season. On this occasion, men participate in charm, beauty, and dance competitions judged by young women. When the dusk has come, it’s time for the big competition to take place in Niger. All contestants are excited to prepare for their own costumes and accessories such as rings and necklaces. Their faces are carefully being made up by themselves. Meanwhile, others start the fire, line in a circle, sing and dance during the contest. The male beauty ideal of the Wodaabe focuses on tallness, whiteness of their teeth, and the brightness of their eyes. It is traditional that the winner is permitted to get married with one of the judges.

Men in the Wodaabe are given compact mirrors at birth

Men are eager to make up themselves with the hope of becoming “Mr. Sahara”

When they were small, their mothers and sisters helped them clean their teeth and pulled their limbs to make them long and slim

Men are in line waiting for the pageant which is traditionally judged by young women

The winner has right to marry one of the judges

Losers in the contest have several wives and the women in Niger have more than one husband

It is known that villagers live on the straw rafts, build and raise cattle on Titicaca Lake, Peru at an altitude of 3.812m. They have lived like that for thousands of years. Since the Inca time, the Uros tribe has built approximately 40 artificial islands which are made of straw and grass. These beautiful islands used to be a shelter during the war. In this way, the Uros tribe could make invaders difficult to conquer. They also consider floating villages as a place to inhabit for centuries.

Carefully built by hand, the floating island consists of the straw layers which were formed firmly and stably like a ferry so that it can withstand heavy and big loads. However, residents also have to fix their island regularly when straw gets old.

According to Bogoboo, these islands are anchored by a rope connected to wooden stakes in the middle of the lake. Tourists are welcome only in several islands. Those who settled here are regarded as guardians of the lake and remembered as a legendfrom generation to generation.

Let's have a look at the floating village and its residents.

The Uros residents of the islands create their homes from the reeds.

The roofs are waterproof but not humidity resistant.

An overview of floating village on Titicaca Lake, Peru

Villagers earn living by fishing, weaving and now tourism.

These floating islands are the home of the Uros tribe, one which pre-dates the Incan civilization.

The residents sell their handicrafts to visitors

Women of the Uros tribe

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About the Author:

I am 23 years old, and I study English on education. My hobby is reading, writing and surfing the Internet. Having read interesting articles, I love editing them to share with everyone.

Dave

Dave is in the boondocks waiting, wondering what could have happened if he did not wait for life to pass.

Camping in the boondocks overseeing landscapes of clouds and tree tops he hope to be able to move on from his hill and discover other hills around and maybe someday travel to see the beach.

He went to the boondocks searching for something, something that will make his life better. A dream that will make him a recognized achiever in their little village. Though he sees it from afar, he have no intention of resolving it. He likes his hut and hill and what may the nature fulfill upon him he will accept.

But in the meantime he would like to share stories, pictures, and videos that affected him, and life in general.

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